Missing Shingles After Storm: What to Do & How to Prevent Further Damage

Immediate Steps After Discovering Missing Shingles

You just walked outside and spotted bare patches on your roof where shingles used to be. Your heart sinks a bit. Maybe it was last night's windstorm or that intense weather system that rolled through yesterday. Either way, you need to act fast because missing shingles aren't just cosmetic problems, they're open invitations for water damage that gets worse with every passing hour.

Here's what you need to do in the first 24 hours.

Assessing Storm Damage Severity

Not all missing shingles create the same level of emergency. Understanding what you're dealing with helps you decide how fast to move, whether to file an insurance claim, and how much this might cost you.

Minor Damage (3-10 Missing Shingles)

If you count fewer than 10 missing shingles scattered across one area, the underlayment beneath is still intact, and you don't see any exposed wood decking, you're in the minor damage category. Your interior shows no signs of water entry, and the damage stayed localized to a small section.

This still needs fixing, but you have some breathing room. Schedule repairs within 1-2 weeks, sooner if heavy rain is forecast. The risk is moderate but real, especially during Ontario's unpredictable weather patterns where a sunny morning can turn into a downpour by afternoon.

Most repairs at this level run between $300 and $800, which often falls below typical insurance deductibles.

Moderate Damage (10-30 Missing Shingles)

When you're missing 10 to 30 shingles spread across multiple sections of your roof, you've crossed into moderate damage territory. You might see patches where the black underlayment shows through. Check your interior carefully because you'll probably find minor water stains on ceilings or in the attic, even if nothing's actively dripping.

This level demands faster action. Get repairs scheduled within days, not weeks. If rain is coming in the next 48 hours, you need temporary protection right away. At this point, filing an insurance claim makes sense since repair costs typically hit $1,500 to $3,500, well above most deductibles.

Severe Damage (30+ Missing Shingles or Large Sections)

Severe damage looks bad because it is bad. Large sections of your roof are completely stripped, leaving bare decking exposed to the elements. Multiple areas are affected, you can see structural components from the ground, and water is either actively leaking inside or definitely will the next time it rains.

You need emergency response within 24 hours. Get professional tarping done immediately, file your insurance claim today, and start documenting everything. Some situations require temporary relocation if water damaged your living space.

Costs jump dramatically here, running $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Damage this extensive often triggers full roof replacement discussions with your insurance company.

Critical Damage (Structural Compromise)

If you can see actual structural damage to the roof deck or supports, if large portions of roof material blew off entirely, or if parts of your interior ceiling collapsed from water infiltration, you're dealing with a critical situation. Hanging materials create safety hazards.

Call emergency services immediately. Don't enter unsafe areas where ceilings might be compromised. Contact your insurance company right now and document the safety issues. You might need temporary housing while repairs happen.

Structural repairs including roof work can run $15,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the scope of damage.

Preventing Water Damage After Shingle Loss

Missing shingles leave your home exposed. Even if the sky is clear right now, Ontario weather has a way of changing in a hurry, and you don't want to be caught unprepared when the next storm rolls in.

Understanding Your Roof's Defense Layers

Your roof protects your home through three distinct layers working together. Shingles form the primary water barrier, the first line of defense against rain and snow. Beneath them sits the underlayment, a secondary barrier made of felt paper or synthetic material that catches anything that gets past the shingles. Under that is the roof decking itself, the structural plywood or OSB that holds everything up.

When shingles go missing, that secondary underlayment becomes your only protection. Here's the problem: most underlayment wasn't designed to handle direct weather exposure for more than a few days or weeks. It will deteriorate fast, leaving your home vulnerable to serious water infiltration.

Emergency Protection Methods

Professional Emergency Tarping (Recommended)

Professional roofers bring the right equipment, proper training, and insurance coverage to protect themselves and your property. They can safely access steep or high roofs that would put you at risk. They know how to secure tarps so they'll withstand high winds instead of ripping loose during the next storm. They'll spot and protect all the vulnerable areas you might miss from the ground, and they'll give you documentation your insurance company will accept.

Response time is usually same-day or within 24 hours, which matters when rain is forecast. Cost typically runs $300 to $800, and here's the good news: insurance usually covers this as emergency mitigation to prevent further damage.

DIY Protection (Small Areas Only)

Only attempt DIY tarping if your damage is limited to under 10 shingles, your roof pitch is moderate rather than steep, the weather is currently dry and calm, you have proper safety equipment including a harness, and someone can assist you.

You'll need a heavy-duty polyethylene tarp with minimum 6-mil thickness (not those thin blue tarps that rip in the first windstorm), 2x4 lumber boards, sandbags or weights, and roofing screws or nails for the boards only.

Measure your damaged area and add 4 feet on all sides to determine tarp size. Wait for dry, calm weather to go up. Position the tarp over the damaged area, extending it over the roof ridge if possible for better drainage. Secure it by laying 2x4 boards along the edges and weighting those boards with sandbags. Never nail through the tarp directly into your roof because each penetration creates another potential leak point. Make absolutely sure no water can pool on the tarp, all water must shed downward.

Interior Protection Measures

While you're waiting for repairs to be completed, protect your interior from potential water damage. Move valuables, electronics, and furniture away from areas directly below the damage. Lay plastic sheeting over anything you can't move. Keep buckets handy for potential leaks so water doesn't spread across your floors.

Check your attic regularly, ideally daily, for any new signs of water entry. If it's safe to do so, run a dehumidifier in the attic to prevent mold growth in damp areas. Look for new water stains or damage each day so you catch problems early before they spread.

Insurance Claims for Storm Damage: What You Need to Know

Most Ontario homeowners insurance policies cover storm damage to roofs, but getting your claim approved requires understanding what's covered, what isn't, and how to navigate the process without making costly mistakes.

Is Storm Damage Covered?

Standard Ontario policies typically cover wind damage from storms if wind speeds meet the policy threshold, usually around 80 km/h or higher. Hail damage gets covered. Damage from fallen trees or branches during storms gets covered. Your emergency tarping and temporary protection measures to prevent further damage typically get covered. Interior damage that results directly from covered roof damage also gets covered.

What doesn't get covered? Damage from lack of maintenance, normal wear and tear, pre-existing issues that were already there before the storm, gradual deterioration from neglect, and purely cosmetic damage that doesn't affect your roof's function.

The Claims Process: Step-by-Step

1. Report Damage Promptly

Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours of discovering the damage. Delays complicate claims and raise questions about when the damage actually occurred.

2. Document Thoroughly

Build a complete documentation package before the adjuster arrives. Include photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles, making sure your images show date and time stamps. Collect weather reports from the storm dates showing wind speeds and severity. Get professional inspection reports from licensed contractors. Gather repair estimates from at least two or three different roofers. If the storm caused interior damage, create a detailed list of damaged items with photos. Save all receipts for emergency repairs or tarping you paid for upfront.

3. Schedule Insurance Adjuster Inspection

Your insurance company will send an adjuster out to assess the damage in person. Be present during the inspection so you can walk them through everything and point out all the damaged areas they might miss. Bring your documentation package and hand it over. Many contractors offer to attend the adjuster inspection for free because their presence helps ensure nothing gets overlooked and the assessment is thorough. Get the adjuster's report in writing before they leave so you know exactly what they documented.

4. Review Settlement Offer

The insurance company will send you an initial settlement offer. Don't just accept it without review. Compare their number to the contractor estimates you collected. Verify they included all the damaged areas you documented. Check how they calculated depreciation if your policy uses Actual Cash Value instead of Replacement Cost. Make sure you understand how your deductible applies. Here's the thing: initial offers are often negotiable, especially if your documentation shows they missed something or lowballed the costs.

5. Appeal if Necessary

If the settlement seems too low to cover proper repairs, you have options. Request a detailed breakdown of how the adjuster calculated their assessment. Get an independent professional inspection to document what they missed. Provide additional documentation showing why the repairs will cost more. You can hire a public adjuster who works for you rather than the insurance company, though they take a percentage of your settlement. File a formal appeal with your insurance company presenting your case.

Dealing with Deductibles

Most Ontario policies have deductibles between $500 and $2,000, with $1,000 being the average. You pay this amount out of pocket, and insurance covers everything above it. So if repairs cost $5,000 and your deductible is $1,000, you pay the first grand and insurance pays the remaining $4,000.

Small repairs that cost less than your deductible aren't worth claiming since you'd pay for them entirely anyway and the claim could still impact your premiums. Before filing, weigh the claim's potential impact on your future premiums against the repair costs. Generally, one larger claim is better than multiple small claims over time.

Common Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid

Don't wait days or weeks to report damage. Call within 24-48 hours. Don't provide minimal documentation. Over-document rather than under-document everything. Don't make permanent repairs before the insurance inspection, emergency tarping is acceptable but replacing your entire roof isn't. Don't accept the first settlement offer without comparing it to professional estimates.

Actually read your policy before filing so you understand what's covered. Don't choose and hire a contractor before your claim is approved and you know the settlement amount, you need to know what you're working with financially first.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

Not all storm damage requires full roof replacement. Knowing when to repair versus replace saves you money and gets you the right solution for your specific situation.

When Repair Makes Sense

Repair is your best option when your roof is relatively young, under 10 years old, and the damage stayed localized to one small area. The contractor needs to be able to find matching shingles that blend with your existing ones. The underlayment beneath the missing shingles should be undamaged and intact. Your roof shouldn't have a history of previous damage and repairs, and the rest of it should be in good overall condition.

Run the numbers too. If the repair cost comes in under 30% of what a full replacement would cost, repair makes financial sense.

For small areas under 100 square feet, expect to pay $300 to $1,000. Medium areas from 100 to 300 square feet typically run $1,000 to $3,000. Large repair areas between 300 and 500 square feet will cost $3,000 to $6,000.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

If your roof is 15 years old or older, replacement starts making more sense than patching. When damage affects 30% or more of your total roof surface, or when multiple sections took hits, you're better off replacing everything. Previous repairs scattered across other areas suggest the whole roof is aging out. If your shingle model got discontinued and contractors can't find a good match, you'll end up with visible patchwork that hurts your home's appearance and value.

Look for widespread granule loss across the entire roof, not just the damaged sections. Check if the repair cost exceeds 40% of replacement cost since at that point you might as well replace. Consider whether a repair would leave obvious patchwork that bothers you every time you look at your house.

Replacement costs in Ontario vary by roof size. Small roofs between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet run $5,000 to $8,000. Average roofs from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet cost $8,000 to $14,000. Large roofs spanning 2,500 to 3,500 square feet will set you back $14,000 to $22,000.

The Matching Shingle Challenge

Whether you can find replacement shingles that match your existing ones makes a huge difference in how the repair looks when it's done.

In the perfect scenario, the same manufacturer still makes the same product line in the same color. New shingles blend seamlessly with the existing ones, and the repairs become nearly invisible once everything's installed.

The imperfect scenario happens when the exact product got discontinued, the closest match shows a visible color difference, or UV aging changed how your existing shingles look compared to brand new ones. The result is visible patchwork that stands out every time you or potential buyers look at your house.

When perfect matching isn't possible, think about replacing entire visible roof sections (one full side of your house) rather than small patches. This costs more but maintains your home's aesthetic appeal and resale value.

Getting Multiple Opinions

For storm damage, always get at least three estimates from different contractors. Compare the scope of work each one proposes and what they include in their quote. Ask each contractor whether they recommend repair or replacement and listen to their reasoning. Some might push replacement when repair would work fine, others might lowball repairs that won't last.

Understand the warranty differences between contractors. Check that each one has valid licenses and proper insurance coverage. Read their reviews, specifically looking for feedback about storm damage work and insurance claim handling. Verify they're willing to work with your insurance company and attend the adjuster inspection if needed.

Why Ontario Roofs Are Vulnerable to Storm Damage

Ontario's unique weather patterns create a perfect storm (literally) of conditions that make our roofs particularly susceptible to shingle loss. Understanding why helps explain what you're up against.

1. Geographic Wind Patterns

Our location creates exceptional wind exposure that other regions don't face. Winds gain speed as they cross the Great Lakes with absolutely no obstacles to slow them down, then hit shoreline communities with their full force. The prevailing westerly winds blow consistently from west to east, putting constant stress on west and south-facing roof sections year after year.

Ontario's flat terrain offers minimal natural windbreaks. There are no mountain ranges or dense forests to absorb wind energy before it reaches your house. Southern Ontario sits in a common corridor for severe weather systems tracking across the continent, so we get hit more often than many other regions.

Southwestern Ontario experiences 15 to 25 windstorms annually with gusts exceeding 70 km/h. Several storms each year push past 90 km/h, and in 2025 we saw microburst winds hit 130 km/h causing significant structural damage.

2. Freeze-Thaw Cycles Weaken Shingle Adhesion

Ontario winters create conditions that slowly compromise your shingles' integrity even before storms hit. We go through 30 or more freeze-thaw cycles each winter. These temperature swings cause roofing materials to expand and contract repeatedly, working them like you'd bend a paperclip back and forth until it breaks.

Shingle sealant strips that hold the layers together become brittle in extreme cold. Ice forms under shingle edges and physically lifts them away from the roof deck. By the time spring storms arrive, the adhesion that's supposed to keep shingles in place has been compromised, making wind uplift much easier.

3. Specific Storm Types Affecting Ontario

Late spring and summer bring severe thunderstorms with straight-line winds ranging from 80 to 120 km/h. These are very brief but incredibly intense wind bursts that rip shingles off in seconds. They're often accompanied by hail that damages whatever shingles manage to stay attached. Peak season runs May through August.

Fall wind storms hit differently. These bring sustained high winds of 60 to 90 km/h with even higher gusts, and they can last for hours rather than minutes. They're often accompanied by rain, and wet shingles weigh more, which increases the stress on compromised adhesion. October and November are peak season for these events.

Winter ice storms add another layer of danger. Ice accumulation adds significant weight to your roof. Wind combined with ice is especially damaging because the ice prevents shingles from flexing like they normally would. Freezing rain infiltrates under already-lifted shingle edges and freezes there, making the problem worse.

4. Roof Age and Installation Quality

Ontario's older housing stock creates additional vulnerabilities on top of the weather challenges. Many homes are sitting on roofs that are 15 to 25 years old and nearing the end of their expected lifespan. Older roofs were installed using methods that provided less wind resistance than modern techniques. Homes built before current wind rating standards became common simply weren't designed to handle the wind loads they're experiencing.

DIY repairs done over the years often compromise wind resistance even further. What looked fine at the time might not be installed to withstand severe weather.

Preventing Future Shingle Loss: Proactive Strategies

You can't control Ontario weather, but you can significantly reduce your roof's vulnerability to storm damage through proper maintenance and smart upgrades.

1. Regular Professional Inspections

Schedule professional roof inspections annually, and again after any major storm that hits your area. Inspectors check shingle condition and adhesion across your entire roof, looking for loose or lifted shingles that haven't blown off yet but will during the next storm. They examine sealant strips for damage or deterioration, verify proper installation and nail patterns, inspect flashing condition, and assess your overall wind damage vulnerability.

This costs $150 to $400 per year, which sounds like a lot until you compare it to thousands in storm damage repairs.

2. Proactive Shingle Maintenance

Fix minor issues before storms turn them into major problems. When you spot lifted shingles, apply roofing cement under the edges to prevent wind from getting underneath and ripping them off. Replace damaged shingles promptly because one compromised shingle weakens the ones next to it. Re-secure loose shingles with additional nails or cement before they blow off entirely. Replace deteriorating sealant strips since they're absolutely critical for wind resistance.

3. Upgrade When Replacing

If storm damage forces you to replace your roof anyway, invest in wind-resistant upgrades that'll protect you better going forward.

High-wind-rated shingles can withstand 175 to 210 km/h winds compared to standard shingles that are only rated for 100 to 110 km/h. The cost premium runs $500 to $1,500 for an average home. Look for products like GAF Timberline HDZ, CertainTeed Landmark PRO, or IKO Dynasty, all of which feature enhanced sealant strips and reinforced construction.

Improved installation methods make a huge difference too. Six-nail patterns instead of the standard four nails on edge and ridge shingles provide better hold. Enhanced starter strip installation, high-quality synthetic underlayment instead of felt paper, proper nail placement and depth, and edge metal installation all add wind protection.

These upgrades add 10 to 20% to your installation cost but can reduce future storm damage by 60 to 80%. That math works out well over the life of your roof.

4. Address Roof Geometry Vulnerabilities

Certain parts of your roof are inherently more vulnerable to wind damage. Roof edges and eaves face the most wind uplift, so make sure they have proper edge protection. Ridge lines get high wind exposure and need premium ridge cap shingles. Valleys act as wind acceleration zones where air speeds up, so valley flashing must be absolutely secure. Rake edges (the sides facing prevailing winds) benefit from extra fastening.

5. Trim Overhanging Trees

Trees create multiple roof problems. Branches scraping against shingles wear away the protective granules that shield the asphalt beneath from UV damage. Falling branches cause direct impact damage. Leaves clog your gutters and cause water backup that infiltrates under shingles. Shade from overhanging trees promotes moss growth that degrades shingles.

Keep branches trimmed at least 6 feet away from your roof. Remove any dead trees within falling distance of your house.

6. Improve Attic Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation extends shingle life and actually reduces wind damage vulnerability. You need balanced intake through soffit vents and exhaust through ridge or roof vents. Good ventilation reduces heat buildup that accelerates shingle aging and makes them brittle. It prevents ice dam formation that lifts shingle edges. It reduces moisture that degrades the adhesion holding shingles down.

Choosing a Storm Damage Repair Contractor

After major storms, roofing contractors flood the market. Some are excellent local professionals, others are opportunistic storm chasers who'll take your money and disappear. Here's how to tell the difference.

Red Flags: Contractors to Avoid

Warning signs to watch for:

• Out-of-area phone numbers or addresses
• Pressure tactics ("deal expires today")
• Door-to-door solicitation immediately after storms
• Offers to waive insurance deductibles (insurance fraud)
• Requests large upfront deposits (over 25%)
• No local references or established business presence
• Can't provide proof of insurance or licensing
• Pushes for immediate signing without time to review

Green Flags: Quality Contractors

Look for these positive indicators:

• Established local presence: 5+ years in Ontario with verifiable address
• Proper licensing: Valid Ontario contractor license and WSIB coverage
• Insurance: Minimum $2 million liability insurance (ask for certificate)
• Local references: Recent storm repair jobs in your area
• Written estimates: Detailed scope of work, materials, timeline, costs
• Manufacturer certifications: GAF, CertainTeed, IKO certified installers
• Warranty clarity: Both workmanship and materials warranties explained
• No pressure: Gives you time to review, compare, and decide

Questions to Ask Every Contractor

Ask how long they've been operating in Ontario. You want at least 5 years of established business. Request their license number and insurance certificate right away, good contractors provide these immediately without hesitation. Ask about their process for working with insurance claims since they should be experienced and willing to attend adjuster inspections.

Get 3 to 5 local references from storm damage repairs they completed in the past 2 years, then actually call those references and ask specific questions. Make sure they explain what warranties they offer on both labor and materials, and get this in writing. Ask about realistic timelines from approval to completion, be wary of anyone promising they can start tomorrow. Verify they'll handle any required permits.

Ask what happens if problems arise after completion. Good contractors have clear processes for warranty work and callbacks.

Verify Before Hiring

Read Google reviews and ratings, but look for patterns rather than just the average score. A company with mostly 5-star reviews and a few detailed 1-star complaints might have legitimate issues. Check their Better Business Bureau rating and complaint history to see how they handle disputes.

Actually call the references they provide and ask specific questions about quality, timeline, cleanup, and how they handled any issues. Verify their insurance directly with the insurance company using a phone number you find on Google, not one the contractor gives you. Check for complaints filed with Consumer Protection Ontario. If possible, drive by some of their recent completed projects to see the quality of their work.

Contract Essentials

Before signing anything, make sure the contract includes a detailed scope of work specifying exact materials, brands, and quantities. The total cost should be clearly stated with a payment schedule that avoids large upfront deposits (nothing over 25%). Start and completion dates should be listed with provisions for weather delays.

Warranty terms need to be written into the contract, not just verbally promised. Permits and inspections should be included and the contractor's responsibility. Cleanup and disposal responsibilities must be specified. There should be a clear change order process explaining how additional work gets priced and approved. The contractor's license number and insurance details should appear in the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions